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Mock Interviews Held for LCE Students

November 25, 2011

Life and Career Essentials students in Mrs. Jacobsen’s class this year had the opportunity to enhance their interview skills by participating in a massive Mock Interview this year. The eighteen juniors and seniors took turns rotating through thirteen different interviewers who sat at tables located in the Pirate gym.  

The interviewers manned with a portfolio consisting of a student written job specification sheet (described job student was applying for), job application, cover letter, and resume, conducted approximately 10-15 minute interviews and followed up by providing students with advice on interviews.   

To prepare for the Mock Interviews students first learned and demonstrated how to complete job applications and then to write cover letters and resumes.  Next, students reviewed job interview techniques and held mock interviews with classmates. The Mock Interview was their final “test” to demonstrate their grasp of knowledge on the interview process.

“Interviewing is one of the essential life and career skills that I believe all students must have,” explained Jacobsen. “Because interviews can be “scary” and vary so much in procedure, I felt that it was important for students to gain as much experience as they could.  This is why I contacted so many people in the surrounding communities to assist with the process.  The Mock Interviewers consisted of people from the Plainview, Norfolk, and Neligh communities and businesses.  By the end of the class period, students ended up with three interviews each.”  

“Comments from the interviewers were consistent with the fact that we have great students, however, they need to work on typical issues such as maintaining eye contact, being able to provide examples of their strengths, and provide “polish” to their portfolios and appearance,” stated Jacobsen.  “I was very proud of how serious the students took the mock interviews and the discussions that have occurred since.  I appreciate the professionals who took time away from their day to conduct the interviews and provide such well-written and verbal advice to the students.   This truly was a positive experience for them.”

Students had several comments about the experience which included… “I was so nervous”, “Wow, I nailed that interview”, “I blew that one!”, “I want to go again! Give me the hardest interviewer you have!!”, “Can they really ask THAT question, I thought it was illegal?”, and of course “Can I take off my tie now?”.